Could you be a Federation representative?
Federation members wanting to stand for election as a workplace representative need to submit their nomination forms as soon as possible.
Nominations close on Saturday (17 February).
“I would urge anyone who wants to put themselves forward for election to do so now,” says Jim Mallen, chair of Bedfordshire Police Federation, “The role is not without its challenges but you will have access to first-class training and there is nothing more rewarding than supporting your colleagues.”
Key dates in the election process are given in the table below. Police Federation branches in all 43 forces across England and Wales are holding these elections.
Terms, for reference, are:
- Federation branch – each police force has its own Federation branch
- Branch Council – all elected workplace representatives (reps) from a force make up its Federation Branch Council
- Branch Board – a smaller executive committee elected from the Branch Council.
Key Dates
| 1 - 17 February | Branch Council nominations open |
| 1 - 21 March | Branch Council voting open |
| 28 March | Branch Council election results |
| 3 - 11 April | Branch Board nominations open |
| 15 - 23 April | Branch Board voting open |
| 27 April | Branch Board election results |
| 1 - 11 May | Branch chair nominations open |
| 14 - 30 May | Branch chair voting open |
| 31 May | Branch chair election results |
The entry point for getting more involved with Bedfordshire Police Federation is standing to be a workplace representative. If elected, you automatically become part of the Branch Council, which is made up of all elected workplace representatives.
Any subscribing member – who has been a member of the Federation for more than two months and is not suspended - can stand as a candidate in the constituency of which they are a member.
To put yourself forward, simply self-nominate via an online portal during the nomination period. A link has been provided to all members via their PNN email address. You will need to fill in the online nomination form and sign the Standards and Performance Agreement.
The nomination website gives information on constituencies so you can select the correct one to stand in. Once your nomination is submitted, it will be checked by the branch to ensure the information, such as the constituency, is correct.
Your questions answered:
Who can vote?
Any members can vote in their constituency as long as they were a member of the Federation two months before nominations open – so on 1 December 2017. Also, unless otherwise stated, you can vote in elections in which you are standing.
How do I vote?
Voting will be online during the voting period - a link will be provided to all members via their PNN email address at the appropriate time.
How will the Branch Council election results be announced?
Once the voting period closes, candidates will be informed via email if they have been successful. Branches will also receive an electronic copy of the results, as will the national general secretary, who is the arbiter of the election process.
Where can I find out more about being a rep?
Please visit Reps@Work where you can read case studies about the experiences of reps and the members they have helped. You will also find role descriptions covering some of the positions reps hold within the Federation branch.
If you have any further questions about being a rep, for example how much of your time it might take up and the number of meetings you might be required to attend, please contact Jim Mallen or Bedfordshire Police Federation secretary Emma Carter.
